PhD student position in Solar Energy Storage

Information about the research project
In a future society with limited access to fossil fuels, technologies for efficient on demand delivery of renewable energy are highly desirable. In this regard, methods that allow for solar energy storage and on demand solar driven energy generation are particularly relevant since the sun is the most abundant energy source.

Specifically, the project focus is on the development and evaluation of new materials and devices for solar energy applications. The main focus will be on a new type of solar energy storage based on photoinduced isomerization of organic compounds, so-called molecular solar thermal energy storage (MOST). Moreover, we will explore devices with enhanced efficiencies based on a process known as triplet-triplet annihilation photon upconversion (TTA-UC).

The PhD project is a part of research team consisting of several PhD students and post docs that has the common goal of developing molecules and devices for solar energy storage thus providing an ideal training ground for the selected PhD student in this project.

Major responsibilities
The goal is to design and evaluate molecular systems and devices for photon upconversion and molecular solar thermal energy storage.

Key parts of the work will be

• Photochemical/photophysical investigation of molecular and material systems.
• Design, construction and evaluation of demonstration devices operating iin real-world conditions.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to maximum 4 years full-time research studies. In addition, duties at the department, mainly teaching in the undergraduate or masters courses, distributed over the whole time of the position, can be included.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree in Physical Chemistry, Physics, Nano-Science or Materials science. Knowledge in programming would be beneficial but not mandatory. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the candidate is expected to have good collaboration skills and be able to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Information about the department of chemistry and chemical engineering
We have approximately 300 employees, divided into four research divisions and one administrative unit. We are situated at campus Johanneberg.

With our focus on sustainable development we work with research and education of the highest quality for smarter materials and smarter processes, for improved health and a better environment.

Our department is characterized by inspiring world-leading research, in an environment of personal development and creation of new knowledge.

Information about the research group
At the “Molecular Materials” Group at the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden we design and synthesize new self-assembled materials. Based on a small molecule approach, the aim is to make materials for a broad range of applications ranging from single molecule electronics to sensors and energy storage technologies.

For more info, please visit our group homepage:
www.moth-poulsen.se

a brief description of our lab facilities can be found here:
http://moth-poulsen.se/Facilities.html

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20150142 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmers webpage.


Application deadline: May 11, 2015

For questions, please contact:
For further information concerning this posting contact Associate Professor Kasper Moth-Poulsen, mkasper@chalmers.se or post doc. Karl Börjesson, karl.borjesson@chalmers.se


*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!